The massive staying power

So Pokemon never got me. I was a senior in high school when it debuted, I played yellow for all of an hour and with the hubris of some teen males I declared it "for kids" and "stupid" and ignored it until gen 5. I didn't play then but I took serious look at it and I know now my assessment was very short sighted. Pokemon towers in complexity over any game I've played except possibly StarCraft and I find the devotion to it remarkable.

So tell me, when did you start playing and what has kept you coming back for more. Also why do you think it's has such enduring popularity? Enlighten me guys!---A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.